Advocates have welcomed Julia Gillard’s decision to support marriage equality saying it shows public figures can change their mind on the issue. They have also condemned Tony Abbott’s for keeping alive the possibility of a referendum.

Julia Gillard - 2010

Advocates have welcomed Julia Gillard’s decision to support marriage equality saying it shows public figures can change their mind on the issue. They have also condemned Tony Abbott’s for keeping alive the possibility of a referendum.

As Prime Minister, Ms Gillard opposed marriage equality despite being an atheist in a de facto relationship and the first woman in Australia’s top job.

Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,

“We welcome Julia Gillard’s decision because it shows that even the most high profile opponents of marriage equality can open their hearts to the reform.”

“But we urge other political leaders not to wait until it is too late for them to show leadership in parliament, as Ms Gillard has done.”

Mr Croome criticised Mr Abbott for continuing to keep alive the possibility of a referendum on marriage equality.

“The High Court has already defined marriage in the Constitution, making a referendum unnecessary.”

“Continued discussion of this incredibly expensive and dead-end option is a slap in the fact to the High Court and to our system of government.”

For a report on Julia Gillard’s change of heart, click here.

For a report on Tony Abbott’s most recent comments on a referendum, click here.

Photo By MystifyMe Concert Photography (Troy) (Prime Minister Julia Gillard (25)) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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